Newcastle United slammed for 'spineless' Carabao Cup semi-final defeat

The reigning League Cup holders were thoroughly beaten by Manchester City over the two legs

Eddie Howe, head coach of Newcastle United, looks dejected during the Carabao Cup semi final second leg defeat

Newcastle United's defence of the Carabao Cup came to an end on Wednesday evening, thoroughly beaten over two legs by Manchester City - and some fans in the Chronicle Live comments section can't decide what the chief problem with Eddie Howe's side is.

The Magpies arrived at the Etihad Stadium hoping to overturn a two-goal deficit, but found themselves 3-0 down by the time they came off from the first half. A great solo goal by Anthony Elanga was the only consolation, with the winger jinking around three defenders and putting the ball past City goalkeeper James Trafford.

Speaking after the game, Eddie Howe said: "Really annoyed with the first-half display because we pride ourselves on being really organised and tactically we want to be able to handle any problem the opposition gives us.

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"But that first half, I just don't think we were good enough. Our duels were off. That gave us huge problems. We didn’t defend well at all, I think. So, yeah, the first half was really disappointing."

The manner of the result was a blow to some fans, who could have done with something positive after a period of stuttering performances in the Premier League. Reader Geordiegreek says: "Club has gone backwards and is stuck in reverse, that was insipid, lifeless and stale."

Commenter Rufeelittlewolf writes: "Newcastle are lacking quality, cutting edge and outright fight and desire. There’s a lethargic presence in the team. They’re all too easily bullied into submission."

Chrissk says: "Don’t kid yourself, City used it as a training session in the second half, they could have stepped up a couple of gears if needed. As semi-finals go, it’s about as spineless a two legs as you will see, we rolled over and got belly tickled."

Geordiemac reckons the result shows the gap the club still need to cross to be consistent silverware winners: "One win in 23 visits to the Etihad speaks volumes. Whilst we battled hard, the team was set up wrong from the start, City sliced through us. Sadly Tripper should hang up his boots - zero pace. 'We want to win the league by 2030' - we might want to reschedule to 3030..."

1snowbear writes: "Going into the second leg 2-0 down, if like me you were clinging to the hope that the Toon could pull level and put in a really good performance, that was not to be. Last night’s capitulation was embarrassing! I stated earlier this week that in my opinion our season could possibly be over come the end of this month, a better performance against Villa will be required if any progress is gone made in the FA Cup.

"We may progress in the CL but then come up against Barca or Chelsea, and on present Toon performances our progression in this competition will end. Given our present form I can not see our team finishing in a CL spot or indeed qualifying for any European competition."

Johnctt is turning to opportunities in other competitions: "The damage was done in the first leg. They gave it a go, created chances, did anyone really think we could overturn 2 goals on this ground? I'm more focused on Brentford and the Champions League."

MarkBurton agrees: "The only way to answer the critics is the performance against Brentford. We need three points and maybes more importantly a good 90 minute performance from the team. Brentford are very good, especially from set pieces. Fingers crossed Bruno and Miley are fit."

Using the comments section below, tell us one thing Eddie Howe can do in the short term to improve his team's results in the next five games.

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